Crash kills 4 at West Texas parade

Authorities say four people are dead and 17 others are injured after a Union Pacific train slammed into the parade float.

By Photos by the Reporter-Telegram and San Antonio Express-News

on November 15, 2012 10:02 PM

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas/AP

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Officials take part in an NTSB sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near West Industrial Avenue where a Union Pacific train struck a parade float at 4:36 p.m. Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four veterans injured in combat. less

Officials take part in an NTSB sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near West Industrial Avenue where a ... more

Officials take part in an NTSB sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near West Industrial Avenue where a Union Pacific train struck a parade float at 4:36 p.m. Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four veterans injured in combat. less

Officials take part in an NTSB sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near West Industrial Avenue where a ... more

Midland Police officers prepare to reconstruct the scene of a train accident Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 at the intersection of Industrial Avenue and Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. Four Military veterans died when a train collided into a float during a parade Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 at that intersection. (AP Photo/Odessa American, Albert Cesare) less

Midland Police officers prepare to reconstruct the scene of a train accident Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 at the intersection of Industrial Avenue and Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. Four Military veterans died ... more

Officials take part in an National Transportation Safety Board sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near West Industrial Avenue where a Union Pacific train struck a parade float at 4:36 p.m. Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four veterans injured in combat. less

Officials take part in an National Transportation Safety Board sight distance test, Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Midland, Tx., at the intersection of the Union Pacific railroad tracks on South Garfield Street, near ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, AP

Officials take part in an National Transportation Safety Board... Photo-3770153.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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Workers inspect the intersection, Monday Nov. 19, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the San Antonio area. less

Workers inspect the intersection, Monday Nov. 19, 2012, in Midland, Tx., where a Union Pacific train struck a float carrying military veterans on Thursday Nov. 15, 2012, killing four men, including one from the ... more

Patriot Guard riders gather Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as ride captain Ductape leads them in prayers for the victims and their families of the veterans parade accident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. less

Patriot Guard riders gather Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as ride captain Ductape leads them in prayers for the victims and their families of the veterans parade accident Thursday, where four ... more

A worker photographs the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. as a train passes. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

A worker photographs the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. as a train passes. Four veterans were killed in ... more

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas. less

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Gary Stouffer, 37, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight ... more

Photo: Associated Press

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for... Photo-3749482.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas. less

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Army Sgt. Joshua Michael, 34, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight ... more

Photo: Associated Press

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for... Photo-3749483.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas. less

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. William Lubbers, 43, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight ... more

Photo: Associated Press

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for... Photo-3749484.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight train at a crossing Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, in Midland, Texas. less

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for Heroes committee shows Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Boivin, 47, one of four veterans killed when a parade float he was riding on was struck by a freight ... more

Photo: Associated Press

This undated family photo provided the Show of Support, Hunt for... Photo-3749487.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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Patriot Guard Riders comfort each other Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as they gather for a prayer service to pray for all those involved in the veterans parade train accident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. less

Patriot Guard Riders comfort each other Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, as they gather for a prayer service to pray for all those involved in the veterans parade train accident Thursday, where four ... more

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. less

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and ... more

Johnie Lee Qualls, left, comforts and talks with Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, before a community prayer service to pray for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. less

Johnie Lee Qualls, left, comforts and talks with Terry Johnson, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, before a community prayer service to pray for all those involved in an incident Thursday, where four ... more

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and 16 other people were injured when a train slammed into a parade float carrying the returning heroes to a banquet. less

Hundreds gather early Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in Midland, Texas, some holding flags, for a prayer service to honor and pray for all those involved in the incident on Thursday where four veterans were killed and ... more

A worker readies the tractor-trailer that was involved in a crash with a Union Pacific train for towing Friday Nov. 16, 2012 in Midland, Tx. The tractor-trailer was part of a parade float carrying military veterans. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

A worker readies the tractor-trailer that was involved in a crash with a Union Pacific train for towing Friday Nov. 16, 2012 in Midland, Tx. The tractor-trailer was part of a parade float carrying military ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A worker readies the tractor-trailer that was involved in a crash... Photo-3749495.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans in Midland, Tx. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

National Transportation Safety Board member Mark Rosekind speaks during a press conference at the scene of the crash, Friday Nov. 16, 2012, involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military ... more

Members of the Midland County Sheriff's office gather outside the Doubletree hotel where those associated with the Hunt for Heroes, sponsored by Show of Support, which selects injured veterans to participate in a traditional West Texas hunt were staying Friday Nov. 16, 2012. One of two floats carrying military veterans to the county's Horseshoe Arena, where they were to be guests at a banquet, was struck by a Union Pacific train, killing four men, including one from San Antonio. less

Members of the Midland County Sheriff's office gather outside the Doubletree hotel where those associated with the Hunt for Heroes, sponsored by Show of Support, which selects injured veterans to participate in ... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

Members of the Midland County Sheriff's office gather outside... Photo-3749498.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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United Blood Services' Sara Arocha (left) talks with Midland high school senior Marissa Rodriquez, 17, as she donates blood at the school Friday Nov. 16, 2012 in Midland, Tx. Rodriquez decided to give blood after learning about the crash involving a Union Pacific train and a parade float carrying military veterans. Four veterans were killed in the accident which occurred Thursday afternoon. less

United Blood Services' Sara Arocha (left) talks with Midland high school senior Marissa Rodriquez, 17, as she donates blood at the school Friday Nov. 16, 2012 in Midland, Tx. Rodriquez decided to give blood ... more

Bystanders react as emergency personnel work the scene where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. less

Bystanders react as emergency personnel work the scene where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer that was on its way to a wounded veterans event, resulting in multiple injuries. less

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

Parade participants look on after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Authorities say four people are dead and 17 others are injured after a Union Pacific train slammed into the parade float. less

Parade participants look on after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Authorities say four people are dead and 17 others are injured ... more

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. less

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there ... more

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. less

Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and ... more

"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the phone following a fatal accident where a semi trailer carrying veterans in the Hunt for Heroes parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that there are "multiple, multiple" injuries and organizers still are trying to account for everyone. less

"Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson talks on the phone following a fatal accident where a semi trailer carrying veterans in the Hunt for Heroes parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, ... more

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. less

Parade participants react after a trailer carrying wounded veterans in a parade was struck by a train in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there ... more

Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the packed United Blood Services in Midland after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in Midland, Texas. Fields and his wife Laura traveled more than 30 miles from Lenorah, Texas after hearing on the television news that the United Blood Services was specifically in need of 0- type blood. less

Rob Fields holds up the blood type of his wife, Laura, outside the packed United Blood Services in Midland after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. ... more

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in Midland, Texas. less

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Reporter-Telegram

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after... Photo-3743743.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in Midland, Texas. less

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after a parade float carrying wounded veterans and their families was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, killing four and injuring 17, in ... more

Photo: James Durbin, Reporter-Telegram

Volunteers at the United Blood Services line up to give blood after... Photo-3743746.52560 - Houston Chronicle

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A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says there are "multiple injuries" after a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer, killing at least four people and injuring 17 others. less

A flatbed truck carries wounded veterans and their families during a parade before it was struck by a train Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 in Midland, Texas. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson says ... more